常見的精油提取和蒸餾方法 Common essential oil extraction and distillation methods

 

 常見的精油提取和蒸餾方法:

1. 水蒸餾法：

將植物材料加水加熱，產生的蒸汽可以將精油分子帶走，並在冷凝器中凝結成液體精油。這種方法適用於大多數可蒸餾的芳香植物。

2. 冷壓法：

主要用於柑橘類水果皮，通過機械擠壓的方式從果皮中捕獲精油。這種方法可以保留精油的天然香氣和成分。

3. 溶劑萃取法：

使用易揮發的有機溶劑(如二氧化碳、丙酮等)從植物中提取精油。這種方法可以提取一些難以蒸餾的成分，但提取物中可能殘留溶劑。

4. 超臨界CO2萃取法：

利用CO2在臨界條件下的特殊性質，以超臨界流體的形式從植物中提取精油。這種方法可以選擇性地提取目標成分，不會殘留溶劑。

5. 油浸法：

一種古老的手工方法，利用動物脂肪或植物油吸收花香。這種方法適用於一些對熱敏感的精油成分。

 每種提取方法都有其優缺點，精油生產商會根據原料特性和預期用途選擇合適的方法。瞭解這些方法有助於我們更好地欣賞精油的特性和品質。

 

Common essential oil extraction and distillation methods:

 

1. Steam Distillation:

This is the most common and widely used method for extracting essential oils. The plant material is heated with water, and the resulting steam carries the oil molecules away, condensing into liquid essential oil in the condenser. This method is suitable for most distillable aromatic plants.

 2. Cold-Pressing:

Mainly used for citrus fruit peels, this method captures the essential oil from the peel through mechanical pressing. This method can preserve the natural aroma and components of the essential oil.

 3. Solvent Extraction:

Using volatile organic solvents (such as carbon dioxide, acetone, etc.) to extract essential oils from plants. This method can extract some difficult components, but the extract may retain residual solvent.

 4. Supercritical CO2 Extraction:

Utilizing the special properties of CO2 in its supercritical state, this method extracts essential oils from plants in the form of a supercritical fluid. This method can selectively extract target components without leaving behind any solvent residue.

 5. Enfleurage:

An ancient manual method that uses animal fats or vegetable oils to absorb the floral aroma. This method is suitable for some heat-sensitive essential oil components.

Each extraction method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Essential oil producers will choose the appropriate method based on the characteristics of the raw material and the intended use. Understanding these methods helps us better appreciate the properties and quality of essential oils.